in ubuntu netbook you need to desable the netbook launcher, this can be done in the startup programs, just uncheck the netbook launcher. Reboot, and the you got to able the desktop . . .and thats the part i just cant remember, i did yesterday on me aspire. Let me check

Here it is, just open terminal and put this: gconf-editor, it will open a window, there you go, apps - - - nautilus - - -preferences - - -in the category "show desktop" put the value on true and the icons will appear on the desktop.